Mr. G wrote:Did I mishear on the webcast today, or did Rinpoche mention there was a CD or DVD with the pronunciation of mantras for all the practices he gave teachings on in the past? I didn't see this in the bookstore. For example, I didn't see a CD or DVD for with the pronunciation for the two mantras of Avalokitesvara Korwa Tongtrug.

You heard right Mr. G.The impression I got was that it contains just about everything Rinpoche has transmitted with the exception of Drolo.

The everyday practice of dzogchen is just everyday life itself. Since the undeveloped state does not exist, there is no need to behave in any special way or attempt to attain anything above and beyond what you actually are. There should be no feeling of striving to reach some "amazing goal" or "advanced state."To strive for such a state is a neurosis which only conditions us and serves to obstruct the free flow of Mind. We should also avoid thinking of ourselves as worthless persons - we are naturally free and unconditioned. We are intrinsically enlightened and lack nothing.

- Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoche -

By understanding everything you perceive from the perspective of the view, you are freed from the constraints of philosophical beliefs.By understanding that any and all mental activity is meditation, you are freed from arbitrary divisions between formal sessions and postmeditation activity.- Longchen Rabjam -

Hopefully the Shang Shung stores will soon be able to restock more; they're all running low on many books and such.

Yeah, I have that book. It's somewhat helpful.

Drajyor is indispensable for being able someone to pronounce the Tibetan language according to the transliteration that exists in Dzogchen Community books of practices. I am also interested on the CD with all the mantras. I think Shang Shung should provide also the option for online downloading of the CDs - after payment, of course! There is no special reason to distribute only through post, since most people could directly download and also earn the mailing cost! What do you think?

"My view is as vast as the sky, but my actions are finer than flour" ~ Padmasambhava ~

Hopefully the Shang Shung stores will soon be able to restock more; they're all running low on many books and such.

Yeah, I have that book. It's somewhat helpful.

Drajyor is indispensable for being able someone to pronounce the Tibetan language according to the transliteration that exists in Dzogchen Community books of practices. I am also interested on the CD with all the mantras. I think Shang Shung should provide also the option for online downloading of the CDs - after payment, of course! There is no special reason to distribute only through post, since most people could directly download and also earn the mailing cost! What do you think?

Due to heavy snowfall, at Merigar both telephone and internet connections are down, therefore our communications and order shipping will be delayed accordingly until a normal situation is reached.Please don't be surprised if you don't get answers or ordered goods for a while.Many thanks for your patience and understanding.

Shang Shung Institute - Merigar

Sönam

By understanding everything you perceive from the perspective of the view, you are freed from the constraints of philosophical beliefs.By understanding that any and all mental activity is meditation, you are freed from arbitrary divisions between formal sessions and postmeditation activity.- Longchen Rabjam -

Dronma wrote:There is no special reason to distribute only through post, since most people could directly download and also earn the mailing cost! What do you think?

I think it's the only way to go for the future. This includes books that could be downloaded in PDF format. No store will ever run out of stock on any item.

This works well for peoplee like TOny Duff. The only problem linked to this is the unauthorised distribution to people who shouldn't have the material, either because they don't have the initiation or because they're simply nicking it.

Look at the unfathomable spinelessness of man: all the means he's been given to stay alert he uses, in the end, to ornament his sleep. – Rene Daumalthe modern mind has become so limited and single-visioned that it has lost touch with normal perception - John Michell

Dronma wrote:There is no special reason to distribute only through post, since most people could directly download and also earn the mailing cost! What do you think?

I think it's the only way to go for the future. This includes books that could be downloaded in PDF format. No store will ever run out of stock on any item.

This works well for peoplee like TOny Duff. The only problem linked to this is the unauthorised distribution to people who shouldn't have the material, either because they don't have the initiation or because they're simply nicking it.

Yes, you're right. I already see them out there.

I think if the prices were lowered, like how Steam runs their video game business, this may halt piracy by just having people join as members. Just a thought.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

Is there a connection between natural disasters and spirits of that place?

I heard CNNR saying something about the fact that if there are lots of problems in a country that is to do with local guardians...being provoked or something like that.I wonder if that is true when it comes to natural disasters?

"Bow down to me for I thirst for an infinite ocean of blood, since the innumerable torrents of floods at kalpa's end that terrify all world systems do not even wet the tip of my tongue"

I understand that for a dzogchen practitioner having some concrete experience based on their practice is very important.But one needs to know whether these experiences are errors or something which is natural and expected if certain practices are employed.

What is the way of gaining some clarity as to what is happening?

Somebody was sugesting that before going any further one should eliminate any possible material causes to these experiences by checking whether they are in good health or having an ear or eye exam for example....

"Bow down to me for I thirst for an infinite ocean of blood, since the innumerable torrents of floods at kalpa's end that terrify all world systems do not even wet the tip of my tongue"

alpha wrote:I understand that for a dzogchen practitioner having some concrete experience based on their practice is very important.But one needs to know whether these experiences are errors or something which is natural and expected if certain practices are employed.

What is the way of gaining some clarity as to what is happening?

Somebody was sugesting that before going any further one should eliminate any possible material causes to these experiences by checking whether they are in good health or having an ear or eye exam for example....

A qualified teacher should be able to give some sound advice...

but what types of experiences? Visions? Heat? Energetic movement? Vibrations?

some of it you'll just have to use deductive reasoning etc... like if you're seeing continual spots in your eye it could be cataracts or if you see constant yellow tinges it could be glaucoma, big stuff like if you feel you're losing vision, going blind, things are continually more blurry over time, those are things you need to worry about... but other than that there isn't much else and if you're experiencing visions while doing practices geared toward that... that's what's going on I'm sure.

Same with increased energy movements and heat/vibrations.

Some experiences can be kinda wild! But just stay relaxed and let it happen

remember experiences are usually signs that you're doing something right, but don't become attached to the experience! Take an almost indifferent attitude... when an experience arises that's out of the ordinary just treat it like any other "normal" arising... for example if you see a vision just relax and treat it like seeing a stop light turn from red to green, just a simple appearance.

There's certain texts that can give a rough outline of progress, I think "The Practice Of Dzogchen" by Tulku Thondrup was mentioned on here before... there's a rough outline in the back section

but always remember everyone is different and everyone is going to have different experiences, in some practices there's definitive signs of progress and in some it's really conditional to the individual.

it's sort of the type of thing where you'll definitely know more often than not.